MANILA -- A police officer was arrested for failing to surrender his service firearm in Pasig City.
In a statement Tuesday, Eastern Police District (EPD) director, Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan, identified the cop as Staff Sgt. Fernando Usita, who was previously assigned at the EPD Headquarters and went absent without official leave (AWOL) since June 2018.
Usita was arrested by operatives from the District Intelligence Unit at around 12:45 p.m. Monday by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Rolando De Guzman of the Pasig City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 72.
The suspect is facing a complaint for malversation of government property with a recommended bail of PHP36,000.
Arresting officers recovered the service firearm of Usita in his house in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal described as Glock 19 - 9mm pistol with one magazine and ammo.
The firearm was turned over to the EPD District Logistics Unit for proper disposition.
Usita was monitored facilitating his appeal on his administrative case after being AWOL, thus the arrest was affected immediately.
Usita's AWOL status due to personal reasons was deliberated upon and the District Discipline Law and Order Section recommended a one-rank demotion as penalty.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Pasig City Police Station. (PNA)
